God In All Things

In this series, we will look at some of the submissions from all of you and respond to 2 or 3 each week in either a mini-sermon or a dedicated lesson. Let’s see what we got in store this week...

God In Everything

We studied how all things we imagine come back to God. The only reason this fascinates us is because we look at it from the wrong direction.

Perspective Shift

Our perspective —-> All things come back to God (amazes people)

God’s perspective —> All things come from God (it should be expected!)

Many things compete for sovereignty of Creation, but only one thing has authority

1 Corinthians 8:5–6 CSB

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.

Christ is the Genesis...

John 1:1–5 CSB

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

And the Cure...

Romans 8:18–23 CSB

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

God is found in all things because all things have been reconciled back to Him.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read and consider Christ at the beginning of all things (John 1:1-5) and at the rebirth (Romans 8:18-23). Consider how some are accustomed to seeing God. Do you pick and choose where you “look for God in your life” or is He a part of everything? Are there parts of your life you try to keep “God free”? How does God being a part of EVERYTHING change how you perceive your high-points? Your low-points?

God In All Creation, Even You!

A profound connection....

God is in all Creation (As We’ve Covered)

But… you are the centerpiece of Creation

Psalm 8:3–6 CSB

3 When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, 4 what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him? 5 You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:

Just as God is exhibited in all Creation, so too does He desire to dwell throughout all of man.

Deuteronomy 4:24 CSB

24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

The rhetoric of the all-consuming God isn’t about hellfire and brimstone; it’s not about being puritanical or suggesting that simply trying to “convince you to be more Christina”...

...it’s an acknowledgment of what IS.

God does not need your pity or spare change of devotion… He IS the sovereign of your life. The pursuit of discipleship is simply seeking to understand better how to live in realization of this fact.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read about the totality and wonder of God’s Creation of mankind in Psalms 8:3-6. God is sovereign over all Creation… and you are the masterpiece of creation! When we say “God is king of your life”, what does that mean to you? Do you think of God more as a political leader? A mentor? A parent? How does it shift the narrative to think of yourself as a part of Creation and to realize God is sovereign entirely over you just as He is the trees or the stars? Do you find yourself trying to “search for God” or do you find yourself having faith that God is already in everything… you just have to figure out how that guides your body, mind, and heart?

More Than A Summertime Break

This series has been fun at times, a little confusing at others, and random every single week. It would be easy to ask, “Is there a point to this?”

The point is that God is in all things because nothing has come into Creation that was not ordained by God.

You are the masterpiece of that Creation. This isn’t a statement of flattery; It’s an acknowledgement of what God has done.

The question I leave to you is whether this is the God who guides your heart. Is your God an elusive being to be sought and found, or is God already in all things and over all things?

Christ has been given full authority. It is by His grace and mercy that we are not struck down instantly for our rebellion against the source of all life.

The next time you hear a message urging you to know God, submit to His will, and recognize His dominion, don’t deceive yourself into thinking these are messages intended to solicit for your interest or convince you to sign on.

You do not hold the cards; you do not have authority.

These words are words of affirmation and acknowledgement that we serve a great and mighty God. His presence in all things is evidence of His omnipresence and sovereignty.

Does your life reflect an acknowledgement of this fact, or do you still live your life as if God is someone to be bought and integrated into your life where you see fit.

It’s time to get serious. I shudder to think how God might respond to a Creation who treats Him with such disregard.